During Erdogan’s Visit, Turkey and Ethiopia Seal Energy Cooperation Pact

Turkey and Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation during President Tayyip Erdogan’s one-day visit to Addis Ababa on Tuesday, setting the stage for joint projects and manufacturing across renewable power and efficiency, Turkey’s Energy Ministry said. The accord was inked at a ceremony following talks between Erdogan and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It marks Erdogan’s first visit to Ethiopia in 11 years and signals a fresh push to deepen Ankara’s engagement with the Horn of Africa. Turkish…

Turkey’s Erdogan warns Ethiopia: recognizing North Western State of Somalia offers no benefits

Erdogan tells Ethiopia it would gain nothing from recognizing North Western State of Somalia ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during an official visit to Addis Ababa that Ethiopia would gain no benefit from recognizing North Western State of Somalia, underscoring Ankara’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity. Erdogan said he conveyed the message directly to Abiy, arguing that any formal move to recognize the self-declared republic would not serve…

Somalia Cleared to Issue East African Community Passports, Boosting Regional Integration

Somalia cleared to issue East African Community passports, boosting regional mobility Wednesday February 18, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has received formal approval to issue East African Community (EAC) passports, a key step in the country’s regional integration and a move officials say will ease cross-border travel for Somali citizens across the bloc. The authorization was conveyed in an official letter presented by Somalia’s ambassador to Tanzania and permanent representative to the EAC, Ilyas Ali Hassan. He handed…

Turkish President Says Israel’s North Western State of Somalia Recognition Serves No One’s Interests

Erdogan says Israel’s North Western State of Somalia recognition would not benefit region as Türkiye, Ethiopia expand ties ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday warned that Israel’s move to recognize North Western State of Somalia would not benefit North Western State of Somalia or the wider Horn of Africa, urging regional governments to resolve disputes without opening the door to foreign power rivalries. “I would like to reiterate that Israel’s recognition of North Western State of…

Somali President Meets Opposition Groups as Talks Resume on Elections, Constitution

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday hosted opposition leaders, including members of the Somali Future Council, for a luncheon in Mogadishu, signaling a renewed push to break a political deadlock over elections and constitutional reforms. The talks follow a federal invitation to a National Consultation Conference intended to ease rifts between Villa Somalia and opposition-aligned regional leaders. Discussions centered on the electoral process, disputed constitutional…

Hargeisa Court Sentences Musician Mubaarik Oktoober to 16 Months for Assaulting Wife Farhiya Fiska

HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — A district court in Hargeisa on Tuesday sentenced musician Mubaarik Ahmed Yusuf, known professionally as Mubaarik Oktoober, to one year and four months in prison after finding him guilty of assault and bodily harm against his wife, fellow singer Farhiya Ahmed Addaawe Geedi, widely known as Farhiya Fiska. In a written ruling dated Feb. 17, 2026, the Hargeisa District Court convicted Mubaarik under Article 440(1) of the Penal Code, which covers offenses causing bodily injury. The…

Saudi Muslims watch for crescent moon to mark start of Ramadan 2026

Muslims across the world are scanning the skies for the slim crescent that marks the start of Ramadan, with a growing list of countries setting Thursday as the first day of fasting while others await final moon-sighting results. As of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, authorities from Oman to Indonesia and Malaysia have confirmed a Thursday start, while Saudi Arabia — whose decision influences millions — is expected to announce later in the day. Oman became the first Gulf Cooperation Council state to set Thursday as the beginning of…

Top 7 Chicken Nugget Brands Featuring Genuine White Meat

This text fits best with the Healthy Eating format since it discusses various brands of chicken nuggets with an emphasis on their health aspects, ingredients, and shopper opinions, all in a way that is informative and focused on nutrition options. Structure & WordPress Formatting: Quick and Healthy Chicken Nugget Options Ready-to-eat pre-cooked chicken nuggets can be a time-saver for those seeking a quick, nutritious meal option. With a variety of brands offering nuggets made from real white meat chicken, these frozen…

African Union steps up diplomacy to end Sudan, eastern DRC conflicts

AU intensifies push for ceasefires in Sudan and eastern DRC, says Commissioner Bankole Adeoye The African Union has sharpened its diplomatic drive to secure ceasefires in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye outlining a renewed, African-led strategy to stem escalating violence and restore stability. Briefing reporters after the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, Adeoye said AU leaders reaffirmed…

Qatar Emir Reaffirms Somalia Support in Call With President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

Qatar’s emir backs Somalia’s security, territorial integrity in call with President Mohamud MOGADISHU — Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday reaffirmed Doha’s support for Somalia’s security and territorial integrity during a phone call with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, according to Somali and Qatari officials. Officials said the leaders reviewed recent developments and discussed efforts to strengthen security, stabilize the country and preserve the unity of Somali territory. Sheikh Tamim conveyed…